Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

The hottest nightlife scene on the West Coast

Discover San Diego's Urban Side

The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation. In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian-Age buildings stand side-by-side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.

After dark, the city transforms into a sophisticated playground for adults. With an endless variety of posh night clubs, sizzling music venues and sky-high rooftop bars, there's plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable night on the town.

The waterfront Embarcadero (or "landing place" in Spanish) lines the western edge of downtown. Its boardwalk hugs the San Diego Bay, home to the cruise terminal, the Navy Pier and Seaport Village. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India, or the Maritime Museum of San Diego. If a moving sea vessel is more your style, hop on a harbor cruise and explore the bay, while taking in the skyline views. For fun on land, head to the Headquarters at Seaport Village to grab a gourmet bite or browse for one-of-a-kind take-home treasures.

If you're looking for some authentic local flavor, immerse yourself in San Diego's Little Italy district, just north of downtown, where you can grab a slice of pizza or an espresso and biscotti from a local café, or dine at one of the celebrity chef restaurants located on bustling Kettner Boulevard known as "Top Chef Alley." Just south of downtown sits the vibrant East Village, a revitalized warehouse district with a hip social scene, and trendy cafes, craft beer bars and high energy vibe. East of downtown you'll find Barrio Logan, the epicenter of San Diego's Hispanic community, where art and food converge in a symphony of sights, sounds and tastes. The colorful murals and outstanding fare are worth the trip.

Play San Diego: Downtown & Gaslamp

Find a place to stay

Getting to Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown is the heart of San Diego and there's not shortage of ways to get into the action. All major freeways go through the city including Interstate 5 and 805, and State Highway 163. Unlike many cities, traffic during rush hour flows away from the city in the morning, and into the city at night - so for tourists, the trip is quick! San Diego's public transportation system is efficient and cost-effective. The Red Trolley crosses the city in several key areas with major connections at downtown's Santa Fe Station. Amtrak and the Coaster rail service connects North County and its quintessential beach towns to downtown action. And once you are in the city, ride share programs including Car-To-Go, DecoBike, and FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) provide great alternatives to move around town.

Discover Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

What's Hot|

What's On|

Barrio Logan

For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. An epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge art and authentic local culture.

Discover

San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place for a stroll along the water

Discover

San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Not only is this area the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene, it is also rich with cultural offerings

Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2019

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 17 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

Discover

25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Jun 15, 2019

Join us for the 25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp presented by Karl Strauss, San Diego's original culinary tour! On Saturday, June 15, 2019, the Gaslamp Quarter will be showcasing the excellent dining options available in our vibrant district. General Admission tickets are $35 pre-sale ($45 day-of) and allow you to sample 25+ different restaurants from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a self-guided walking tour with a beer garden featuring different brews from the Karl Strauss brewery. But the fun doesn't have to stop then. For only $65 ($75 day-of), you can upgrade to a VIP Ticket and experience 10 additional fine dining restaurants serving larger bite portions with a cocktail at each location, a Gaslamp Goodie Bag and an exclusive VIP After Party!

Discover

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 18 - Jul 21, 2019

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.

Discover

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

Jun 16 - Sep 2, 2019

Stay after dark and celebrate summer during Nighttime Zoo presented by One Medical, June 16 through September 2. Enjoy live music, fun shows, animal encounters, food, and more!

Related Articles and Features

Getting Around Town

For visitors looking to give weary feet a rest, here are alternate modes of transportation for exploring San Diego.

Discover

Nightlife

Downtown After Sundown

San Diego Nightlife - The Hottest Party on the West Coast

Follow the music to San Diego, where the nightlife is one of the most buzzing scenes on the West Coast. The nightclubs are bumping with world-class DJs, the craft cocktails are true works of art and dance floors are filled with people soaking up the bright vibes of San Diego after sundown. It all starts in the Gaslamp Quarter - 16 blocks with 180 restaurants, 50 bars and 10 nightclubs - but the good times are rolling throughout the city, from sunset to sunrise and back again. Party on, San Diego.

Discover

San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Not only is this area the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene, it is also rich with cultural offerings that include theatres, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues and museums.

Discover

History & Heritage

San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

10 Historic & Fun Facts

From the wild west to ghostly hauntings, San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter has an interesting and colorful past. Here are ten secrets to uncover the next time you're visiting the Quarter.

Discover

Explore theNeighborhood

Your search for "" returned 0 results

Displaying 0 out of 0 Results

Sort By:

|

Areas of Interest

Arts & Culture

Attractions

Beaches & Bays

Casinos

Cruise Passengers

Food & Drink

Nightlife

Parks & Gardens

Shopping

Sports & Recreation

Spas & Wellness

Tours & Sightseeing

Where to Stay

Hotels & Resorts

Bed & Breakfast

Camping & RV Parks

Vacation Rental

Hostel

Sharing is caring

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.